Bolelli Upends Raonic in France for First Career Top 10 Win
Italian Simone Bolelli notched the first top 10 win of his career on Thursday, knocking off the top seeded Milos Raonic 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(3) at the Open 13 in Marseille, France.
Bolelli came into the match with the longest losing streak against top 10 opponents in the Open Era, losing the first 35 tries of his career. He fought off 21 aces from the big Canadian to reach the quarterfinals.
It’s the first opening round loss for Raonic since the Kremlin Cup last October.
“There were many close games, but I couldn’t make the most of my chances,” said Raonic. “I served better as the match went on, but he made it through when it mattered the most.”
While Raonic’s serve was effective throughout the match, surrendering just one break point chance, he was unable to capitalize on Bolelli’s serve. The world number six failed to convert on seven of his eight break point opportunities
The 53rd ranked Bolelli will meet seventh-seeded Gael Monfils in the final eight. Playing in his home country, Monfils knocked off Russia’s Andrey Kuznetsov 6-3, 6-3 on Wednesday night.
Austria’s Dominic Thiem held a 5-1 advantage over sixth-seeded David Goffin before The Belgian retired with a rib injury. Thiem moves on and will play fourth-seeded Roberto Bautista-Agut in the quarterfinals.
Second-seeded Stan Wawrinka and third-seeded Ernests Gulbis will be looking to punch their tickets to the final eight later today.
